Increased expression of HLA-DR antigens in hydrocortisone-treated monocytes

Human peripheral blood monocytes incubated overnight with hydrocortisone had an increased expression of HLA-DR antigens. This change was noted as an increased proportion of DR-positive staining monocytes at greater fluorescence intensities as determined on a fluorescence-activated cell sorter. Hydrocortisone treatment of monocytes did not alter the expression of another Ia antigen on monocytes, HLA-DS. Neither did hydrocortisone treatment alter the expression of either Mac 120 antigen or monocyte .2 antigen on monocytes. Thus, the effect of hydrocortisone on monocyte DR antigens may be somewhat selective. Hydrocortisone also caused an increase in monocyte cell size after 3 to 4 days as compared to untreated controls.